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Mike Yankoski to speak at Family Worship on March 28

March 27, 2014

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Ricky Amimo, student writer

Mike Yankoski, author of "Under the Overpass," will speak for Family Worship on Friday, March. 28 at 7:30.

Mike Yankoski didn’t grow up on the streets. But the noted author, speaker, youth pastor and Compassion International ambassador will share what he learned about being homeless after living on the streets of America during Family Worship on Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.

As a teenager growing up in Parker, Colorado, Yankoski was introduced into Christianity and consequently the reality of poverty after a short-term mission trip to the Dominican Republic. “Poverty for me changed from an abstract idea, to an actual person,” exclaimed Yankoski in a sermon in early 2012. From this experience, Mike Yankoski’s realization of the Christian’s duty of service was initiated.

As an undergraduate student at Westmont College in California, Yankoski undertook an experience uncommon to any individual’s list of ‘things to do before….’

“My friend Sam and I discerned God’s call to go live on the streets of six different American cities,” said Yankoski. “As much as we could we were going to try to enter into homeless life and see it from the inside.” The two friends not only discovered the discouraging reality that many homeless Americans face on a daily basis, but were also enlightened to the treatment offered to “the least of these” by Christians and non-Christians alike.

Mike Yankoski authored the books Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America, My 30 Days Under the Overpass: Not Your Ordinary Devotional, and Zealous Love: A Practical Guide to Social Injustice, all influenced by the five-month homeless journey on which he bases most of his talks.

Yankoski earned a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Regent College and lives in South Bend, Indiana where his wife, Danae, who co-authored Crazy Love and Forgotten God with Francis Chan, is currently pursuing a doctoral degree. Yankoski has served on the board of directors at World Vision U.S. and the advisory board of Kilns College. As an ambassador of Compassion International, Yankoski, continues to lobby for love and betterment of the poor as a way to display the love that God has shown us.

“When I was looking for available speakers I instantly knew I wanted to bring Mike in to Union,” said Family Worship coordinator Kelli Vigil. “He discovered Jesus on the streets and has amazing stories of his interactions with churches and people he met.”

Yankoski will speak on Friday, Mar. 28 and share his many stories as well as show the Union community how they can be Jesus’ hands and feet. Vespers will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of the College View Seventh-day Adventist Church on the campus of Union College. The church is located at the corner of 48th and Prescott and the event is free and open to the public.